UKIP are celebrating their only success so far in the Local Elections in the North East, winning two seats on Hartlepool's Unitary Authority. They won the Jesmond ward from Labour by a margin of just two votes, after several recounts. Labour won six seats, retaining control of the authority.

Labour also held onto Sunderland, winning 21 of the 25 seats up for election, although Labour's mayor Bob Heron lost his seat. UKIP failed to make a breakthrough, but came second in 16 of the seats being fought.

Labour also retain control in South Tyneside,** holding 16 of the 18 seats up for election this year. Labour gained one seat - Fellgate and Hedworth - from UKIP, who came second in 14 of the 18 seats.